Nongluck Kiatratsamee
Occupation: Deejay Workplace: Insanity nightclub
Before Covid-19, Nongluck’s success as one of Thailand’s leading female deejays led to invitations to perform from near and far.
Life couldn’t have been better for her when the pandemic struck. She found herself in uncharted territory when Thailand began the lockdown process to curtail the spread of the virus. Overnight, she found herself struggling for income as entertainment venues were some of the first ordered to close.
“The tours I planned for this year had all been cancelled, coupled with the fact that I was out of a job when venues were ordered shut. With no income, I was left with little to sustain myself. I have been in this business for a decade and from this, I can say that the Covid-19 situation brought us all to our knees. I was in shock,” said Nongluck, whose latest single Swolla was created during the social distancing regulations.
As a professional deejay, Nongluck earns on the day she performs. It is not a monthly income, so she is accustomed to keeping savings for a rainy day.
“On a monthly average, we earn around 25,000 to 30,000 baht. When on tour, one can make US$1,000 (31,660 baht) or more. During this period, I lost 90% of my earnings.”
Nongluck is beyond happy the government has reopened Bangkok nightlife venues so that people in this industry can once again earn a livelihood.
In her opinion, the revised regulations for night-entertainment operators are not too stringent. However, she does have an issue with social distancing and wearing a face shield while performing though.
“I feel it would be difficult to wear a face shield while I deejay. I just cannot see it happen. As for social distancing, I think in a bar/club environment this can be a problem, but I suppose we just have to work things out to comply.’’
Nongluck believes Thailand is better off than several other countries battling Covid-19 and that the country is more fortunate than those where the public is still not allowed to generate an income for their families due to the pandemic.
“Being able to earn an income feels great, especially after not being able to do so for many months. For me closing at midnight is not a huge issue. I realise the country has to take baby steps when it comes to reopening the Thai nightlife industry, given that the virus can return.”
“The point I would like to make is that we can live with the regulations as long as we are allowed to work. Thousands of lives suffered during the shutting down of the entertainment venues. Many are sole breadwinners in their families while others such as migrant workers would have been left in limbo, if this reopening didn’t take place.”